A Buchan beauty spot became a battleground yesterday as scores of pipers from across Scotland fought for a range of top titles.
The annual gathering of bands – which dates back to 1993 – takes place at Aden Country Park near Mintlaw.
The competition included the presentation of the North of Scotland champion of champions title, awarded to the band which has produced the best performances over the summer piping season.
This year, the Buchan Peterson Pipe Band claimed the prize.
Last night, Buchan Pipe Band member Helen Simpson, who was involved in organising the event, said: “It was a great success and we had a super day. The weather was on our side for a change, we had a big crowd and plenty of people stayed back for the presentations.”
The event at Aden Country Park is a high point in the north-east pipe band season and brings together champion musicians from the Banchory, Aberdeen and Turriff contests to battle for the overall prize.
Buchan Peterson Pipe Band won both grades one and two, and the Turriff and District Pipe Band claimed the prize in the grade three category.
Mrs Simpson said: “Next week is the world championships so this is a trial run for that competition.”
The Aden Country Park event also incorporates a drum majors contest, as well as Highland dancing.
This year’s contest featured a performance by the visiting Royal Guard of Oman Pipe Band.